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VoIP Canada

First question to get out of the way is what is VoIP ? Plain and simple it's voice over the Internet calling from your computer. The most inexpensive way to go is to use your computer with speakers or a headset/headphones, a typical computer microphone and a high speed connection (DSL or Cable). Throughout the world people are discovering that Internet phone service (voice over ip) is not only a new but also an easier way to communicate but cost much less and many are free, we will get to that later. Traditional hard line or land line phone service can charge many different types of fees including high rates to other countries. Internet phone service lets users make cheap phone calls using their broadband Internet connection and either using an Internet phone or what we talked about earlier, a microphone and speakers.

So who do you choose as your VoIP provider, after all you want clear service and a company that offers the latest features and technologies.  After all communications over a VoIP connection can be used for businesses or personal, it equals internet phone service that is easy and fun to use.
Paid VoIP EXAMPLE, Typical Voice Over IP Provider:

Lets say you live in Vancouver where you use your VoIP phone. Your sister lives in Ontario her area code is 705. So you just sign up for a telephone number in the 705 area code that rings in Ontario with typical providers like Vonage or Skype. The best thing is you or your sister do not have to pay long distance chargers when she calls you and most outgoing calls are totally free and usage is unlimited (high volume VoIP traffic is monitored). There is no limit on the amount of telephone numbers you can have and no matter what the number will ring anywhere in the world you connect using your VoIP phone.  In other words you have your phone you unplug it and pack it for that important trip.  Later you get to your hotel and plug it in and the number is active, it follows you around (based on the hotel having high speed connection).
Free VoIP EXAMPLE:

Ok now this is even better for many, remember the microphone and speaker deal hooked to your computer, well good news, Skype offers free computer to computer calls to anywhere in the world.  It’s a Google company so it stands to good reason they give us something big for free.  You download the Skype software and setup a username.  The next thing is to add a friend to your list, very much like a typical Instant Messenger (IM).  Click the call button to your friend or family, business associate, whomever, all they have to have is the software running on their computer.  You connect and most the time its a crystal clear communication.  So you want more, ok, Skype also let’s you video chat for free so if you have a webcam then turn it on and talk away.  Skype also has a VoIP phone you can buy and use like a regular phone.  They do have a paid service and that is if you want an actually phone number.

Remember when replacing your home phone or business phone with a VoIP phone you need to realize that many emergency services may not be able to pinpoint your location in the event of an emergency.  Something are good to know and ask a head of time to any provider you choose.
Keeping Your Existing Number.

If you would like to keep your existing phone number then with many of the providers you can or just opt for a new number.  There are a few plans to choose from and as with anything there is basic and unlimited service calling to and from the US/Canada.  Of course there are many other plans and many of the VoIP providers including many more countries.

Virtual DID phone numbers (DID will be covered in the next article on VoIP) DID briefly DID is just a virtual number so you can have a Mexico phone number and still live in Canada.  Choose a US/Canada unlimited plan which provides a flat rate monthly plan perfect to replace you existing your existing phone service.

This will be an ongoing article and will include best providers and price comparisons in the next installment, plus much more.